Worms often attack children. Many deworming drugs for children are sold over the counter. However, you need to know what type of worm medicine is safe to give to your little one.
Worm infection or worm disease is caused by eggs or larvae of parasitic worms that enter the body through the mouth or skin pores.
Transmission can occur when your child puts dirty objects containing larvae or worm eggs into his mouth while playing or does not wash his hands thoroughly after activities outside the home or before eating.
Not only that, eggs and worm larvae can also enter the body when your little one eats unclean food, such as unwashed vegetables or fruit. While in the body, the worm larvae reproduce and live by taking nutrients from the little one's body.
Symptoms and Bad Effects of Worms
Worm infections in children are usually characterized by the following symptoms:
- Digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
- Weight loss.
- Decreased appetite.
- There is a rash, itching, and pain around the anus.
- Hard to sleep.
- Fever.
- Cough.
However, if the infection is severe enough, children with intestinal worms can experience vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, and bloody stools. Sometimes worms can also come out when the child defecates.
If not treated immediately, worm infections can cause digestive problems and impaired absorption of nutrients. This condition can cause various complications, such as malnutrition, low body weight, weak immune system, and anemia.
Not only that, helminth infections can also have a negative impact on a child's growth and development, and affect their learning ability and cognitive function.
Various Deworming Medicines for Children
- Albendazole
This deworming medication is used to treat tapeworm infections. Albendazole should not be given to children who are allergic to this type of drug. Pregnant women are also not advised to take this drug.
- Levamisole
The deworming levamisole is effective for treating infections of pinworms, roundworms, and whipworms. However, these deworming drugs are less effective in treating hookworm infections.
- PirantelPyrantel is used to treat pinworm and roundworm infections. Pyrantel should not be given to children who have liver problems or are allergic to this drug. Pirantel is also not recommended for nursing mothers and children under the age of two, except on doctor's instructions.
- mebendazoleMebendazole is used to treat roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections. Mebendazole is not recommended for use in children under two years of age.
- IvermectinIvermectin is a type of deworming medicine that can eradicate worms in the digestive tract of children, such as roundworms. In addition to treating intestinal worms, this drug can also be used to eradicate lice and treat ringworm.
When giving deworming medicine to children, make sure you have read and followed the instructions for use listed on the medicine package.
Just like other drugs, deworming drugs for children also have side effects. Side effects of worm medicine can include nausea, abdominal pain, to drug allergic reactions. Therefore, consult a pediatrician if your child shows symptoms of side effects or allergies after giving deworming medicine.
In addition to taking worm medicine, worm infections can also be prevented by keeping the house and the environment around the child clean, including children's toys, sheets, and toilets. Do not let your child move in a dirty environment, such as playing in puddles or the ground, without wearing shoes.
Don't forget to get children used to washing their hands before eating. Trim your child's nails regularly, because the nail gaps can be a place for worm eggs and larvae to develop.
In addition, consume bottled drinking water or water that has been boiled, cook the meat until it is completely cooked and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption, to prevent transmission of worms.